E-learning

Just moved to a location where there is no chance of attending continuing education classes because of a language barrier? Here are some ways around it.

Learning is no longer associated with being physically present in schools, universities or any kind of 'real' classrooms. The web has opened up possibilities, unimaginable only a few years ago, to bring the classroom into your home through your internet connection.

A new world of possibilities is available to expatriates worldwide to overcome the isolation often associated with a move. Our intent is to point you in the right direction.

Your contribution though is always appreciated. If you have any experience of a specific university or institution you wish to share, please send us your feedback.

The great thing about the internet - other than giving you access to Paguro! - is that many higher education institutions now offer courses and qualifications on-line. Before you embark on such a course, which can be difficult, as well as expensive, it's a good idea to get as much information as possible about the course you intend to follow. Enquiries you should definitely need an answer to are:

Does the course have industry recognition?

What do other students (or graduates) think of the course?

How long does the course take?

What assessment tasks are involved?

Do I have the time, motivation and discipline to undertake the course?

How much does it cost?

Can I do the entire course remotely?

Pitfalls to distance learning can include difficulties obtaining the right text books and other research materials, loneliness and lack of motivation due to little contact with other students and teachers, as well as submitting hard copies of assessment tasks promptly.

Above all, make sure that you are not just paying for a worthless piece of paper. There are many bogus internet universities that supply you with a "degree" with absolutely no effort on your part. Bear in mind that a Bachelor degree typically takes 3-5 years of full-time study, a Masters degree takes an additional 2 years, and a PhD takes anywhere from 3-10 years after you have completed your Bachelor and/or Masters.

Many higher education institutions now offer complete degree courses on-line and via distance training. It may be that a school or university in your home country will have such a course in a field that interests you. For a wide, but not exhaustive list of institutions offering distance learning on-line, go to: